Colorado's Casey named MLS Cup MVP

TORONTO — Colorado Rapids striker Conor Casey, who scored the Rapids' first goal in their 2-1 overtime win over FC Dallas, was named MLS Cup MVP.

On a cautious offensive night from the Rapids, Casey was a powerful presence, banging bodies with Dallas' big center backs and playing hold up man for 120 minutes. His labors paid off by helping bring home the first ever trophy for the Rapids organization.

"It feels awesome," Casey told MLSsoccer.com after the game. "Club's waited a long time. I've waited a long time. It's great for so many reasons."

Casey scored to equalize in the 57th minute, poking home from two yards out while sitting on his rear end and entangled with FCD goalkeeper Kevin Hartman and defender Jair Benitez.

"We needed a goal," he explained. "To draw level early in the second half was big for us."

MLSsoccer.com's Jackie Pickering with Conor Casey

Casey's performance was impossible not to praise, even by those who opposed him.

"He did everything I expected him to do and more," Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman said. "He was a handful and has the competitive edge in him and is not willing to lose. He’s disrupting a lot of play. I thought in the effect of the game tonight, he did more than I thought he would."